United Nations votes to suspend Russia from Human Rights Council

The United Nations General Assembly voted on Thursday to suspend Russia from the Human Rights Council following the atrocities being uncovered in the wake of Russian forces who have destroyed Ukrainian cities and killed civilians.

After horrific images surfaced showing the brutality of the Russian invasion in the Ukrainian cities of Bucha and Borodyanka, the United Nations General Assembly convened to hold a vote on a resolution to suspend Russia’s participation in the UN Human Rights Council.

The resolution says the UN may “suspend the rights of membership in the Human Rights Council of a member of the Council that commits gross and systematic violations of human rights.” The resolution passed with a vote of 93 in favor, 24 against and 58 abstentions. 

The US ambassador to the United Nations, April Thomas-Greenfield, suggested on Thursday that the General Assembly move to suspend Russia from the UN Security Council in response to its invasion of Ukraine.

“Russia should not have a position of authority in a body whose purpose — whose very purpose — is to promote respect for human rights. Not only is it the height of hypocrisy — it is dangerous. Every day, we see more and more how little Russia respects human rights,” she said.